holiday

I’ve been searching for a gravy recipe I can do ahead of time, since by the time I have the turkey and sides ready to go on the holiday table, I’m usually too frazzled to successfully turn the pan drippings into gravy.

This one uses bacon drippings and tamari as a savory flavor base, and can be made the day before a holiday feast.

When I was little, I remember mom making these rum balls for holiday parties. Made from crushed Nilla wafers, chopped nuts, cocoa, and light rum, they’re not for kids (but that didn’t stop us from sneaking one when the adults weren’t looking).

Bake these soft sugar cookies, rolled in red or green sugar sprinkles until just done, and then press a peppermint-striped Hershey kiss into the top of each cookie. They’re the perfect holiday project for a child eagerly awaiting Santa’s visit.

Salsa is standard party fare, but this fresh, holiday-themed version with chopped jalapeño, red onion, avocado, cranberries, and cilantro is a delightful surprise. It went quickly when mom took it to a recent holiday get-together.

If you’re looking for a nice, fall- or holiday-inspired main dish, try this vegetarian lasagna. Layers of sliced butternut squash, puréed pumpkin, crème fraîche, fontina, noodles, and sage make this a decadent dish worthy of Thanksgiving or dinner for friends.

2016 was the year of the Brussels sprout in our house. Towards the end, we were roasting them almost weekly, so when we were asked to bring a green vegetable for Thanksgiving, it was a no-brainer.

This recipe feeds a crowd (we probably could have halved it for a buffet for 10 people) and travels well. Heat bacon-sprinkled baking sheets until sizzling hot, add Brussels sprouts, cut in half and tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender. Drizzle with a glaze of apple cider, brown sugar, and vinegar.

We didn’t host Thanksgiving this year, and we were only traveling locally, so we had time in the morning to try a special dessert. These pumpkin pancakes laced with chocolate were easy and delicious. I admit to using more chocolate chips than the recipe called for.